One month after the release of New Jersey Back Bays Coastal Storm Risk Management Study, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will host two virtual public meetings on this ‘Tentatively Selected Plan’.
In August, USACE released a draft report for the study. The report includes plans for three storm surge barriers, two cross-bay barriers, and the elevation of more than 18,000 structures to reduce the risk of flood damages associated with storm surge.
The study area includes approximately 950 square miles and nearly 3,400 miles of shoreline. The objective of the study is to investigate problems and solutions to reduce damages from coastal storm-related flooding that affects population, critical infrastructure, property, and ecosystems.
Engineering and economic analyses indicate the study area could experience $1.8 billion in average annual flood damages if no action is taken.
The two virtual public meetings will take place this week:
During the virtual public meetings, study team members will present a summary of the report findings and answer questions.
The study is being cost-shared by the NJDEP and the Federal government. It is developed out of the Army Corps’ North Atlantic Coast Comprehensive Study, which was undertaken after Hurricane Sandy.